Gatland thinks England prop Sinckler can be ‘an emotional time bomb’

Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes England prop Kyle Sinckler “emotionally, can be a bit of a time-bomb” ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown.

The Harlequins forward has twice been involved in incidents during this season’s tournament.

In England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland he became embroiled in an exchange with flanker Peter O’Mahony, and in the France game eight days later he was reminded of “rugby’s values” by match referee Nigel Owens after slapping Les Bleus forward Arthur Iturria on the head.

Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland commented on the emotional reactions of the England forward (Steven Paston/PA)

Speaking last week about the Iturria incident, Sinckler said: “I don’t condone what I did, but they didn’t show the full replay of what actually conspired. I didn’t just smack him on the head. There was stuff that happened before.

“I am not perfect, and I have learnt from it.”

Sinckler, who was coached by Gatland on the 2017 British and Irish Lions’ New Zealand tour, will start against Wales in Cardiff.

Gatland said: “I think the thing with Kyle, there is no doubt he’s a very good player in terms of his carrying, scrummaging and work-rate.

Sinckler’s work-rate was praised by the Wales boss (David Davies/PA)

“There is a challenge sometimes with his temperament. He’s aware of it. Other players are aware of it. We’ve already seen in the Six Nations that he has been involved in a couple of incidents.

“Hopefully, we don’t get dragged into that on Saturday. Emotionally, he can be a bit of a time-bomb. I am not saying anything that people aren’t aware of.

“Look, we won’t be going out there trying to antagonise him, because that’s not in our make-up. We will just go out there and play.

“Hopefully, he goes out and has a good game and is able to keep his emotions in control, because that’s a big challenge for him.”